WSR aims to expand programme

The BMW squad will run Colin Turkington in a 320si in the next three WTCC events at the Algarve, Brands Hatch and Brno under the eBay Motors banner after securing backing from the online auction site.

Team principal Dick Bennetts believes that a few good results will enable WSR, which ran Turkington to the British touring car crown last year, to find the backing to compete at Okayama and Macau.

"We will be contesting the next three rounds and then hopefully be in a position to compete in Japan and Macau at the end of the year when we have fulfilled our BTCC commitments," Bennetts said.

"Our main target will be to make a strong impression in the Independents' category, we know the competition will be tough but we will be looking forward to the challenge."

Turkington, who has not raced since last year's BTCC finale at Brands Hatch, is not expecting to make up the numbers, having taken a podium finish on his WTCC debut at Brands Hatch in 2007.

"I'm really excited about racing again, being back with WSR and having the backing of eBay Motors," he said.

"Like always I'm hoping to do well, obviously it's difficult to know what to expect.

"It's my first race of the season but I know the car inside out and although I've only been for a single test day at Portimao I have a good idea of the track and its layout so we should be fine."

WSR will continue to run Rob Collard and Andy Neate in the BTCC for the rest of the season.